An image popped into Mike’s mind of her lying naked on a bed, her whole body pale and soft, her gleaming red hair spread out on the pillow. Her wide eyes would be locked with his, just as they were now, but more so, their expression expectant, yet at the same time excited.

‘So…what do we do now?’ she said, breaking into his fantasy.

Why don’t I take you to bed? he wanted to say.

Because that was what he wanted to do. Right now.

It had been too long, Mike realised ruefully, since he’d been to bed with a woman. Richard was right. Celibacy did not sit well with him, not when he was in the company of a woman he fancied.

But there was nothing he could do about it now, certainly not with Ms Fairlane. She’d blow a gasket if he started coming on to her. Nope. He was trapped into a no-sex existence for another couple of months at least. He couldn’t even sneak a bit on the side. Cunning old Chuck might find out about it and any partnership would fly out the window.

Just think of the money, he told himself. The same as the mercenary Ms Fairlane is doing. And stop thinking about her being naked, and willing. The odds of her ever being naked and willing with you, Mikey, are about as high as your staying married to her.

Which reminded him. He had a marriage to arrange, and there was no time to lose.

‘It’s Thursday night,’ he returned, glancing at his watch. ‘The stores don’t close till nine. First, we’ll go get a quick bite to eat. After that, I’m taking you engagement-ring shopping.’

CHAPTER FOUR

‘WHAT?’ Shock propelled Natalie to her feet. ‘Did you say engagement-ring shopping?’

‘Absolutely,’ Mike replied, rising to his feet also.

‘But surely that’s not necessary!’ She couldn’t bear the thought of going into a jewellery shop with him and pretending to be lovers.

‘Of course it is,’ he returned. ‘When I present you to Mr Chuck Helsinger as my wife you’re going to have everything my wife should have. That includes a rock on your ring finger and a wardrobe which will knock that dirty old devil’s eyes out.’

‘But…’

‘No buts, please, Natalie. Sorry, but I do have to call you Natalie, since sweetheart and honey and, I presume, darling is out. Unless, of course, you want me to call you Nat.’

She winced at the shortened form of her name, which she’d been called in high school and which she still hated.

‘Natalie will be fine,’ she bit out.

‘Okay. And don’t you forget to call me Mike. It wouldn’t do for you to address me as Mr Stone.’

‘I guess not. Now, about this wardrobe business…’

‘Yes?’

‘I don’t always dress like this, you know. These are just my work clothes.’